The family of Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia, the Ateneo de Manila University student-athlete who died on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, has received an outpouring of support from universities, government agencies, local officials, businesses, and private donors. The tragedy also claimed the life of fellow Ateneo student-athlete Divine Adili.
Scholarships and Education Support
Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, president of Ateneo de Davao University, pledged full scholarships for Baterbonia's six siblings, ensuring their education continues despite the loss. The siblings also received laptops from Rick's Laptop and Gadget to support their studies.
Housing Grant from NHA
The National Housing Authority (NHA) granted the family a P2.266-million, 42-square-meter condominium unit at Madayaw Residences in Bangkal, Davao City. NHA Caraga Regional Manager Erasme Madlos explained that the family's home in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, is near the Agusan River and vulnerable to flooding, making them eligible for relocation. "Nasa danger area yung location ng bahay mismo ni Rene. Mandato sa NHA na ang mga ganong klaseng family... dapat irelocate sila para iwas sa danger ng mga kalamidad (Rene's home is located in a danger zone. It is the NHA's mandate to relocate families in such situations to safer areas and protect them from disasters)," Madlos said in a live radio interview. Davao City was chosen because Baterbonia had long planned to move his family there so his younger siblings could continue their education together.
Financial Assistance and Fulfilled Dreams
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza visited Bobet's wake on June 21 and turned over P1 million in financial assistance. She also fulfilled one of Baterbonia's final wishes by donating five computers to Talacogon Central SPED, his elementary school. According to the Municipality of Talacogon, Baterbonia had once told his teachers, "Ma'am, Sir, after five years magdo-donate ko ug five computers para sa inyo (Ma'am, Sir, after five years, I'll donate five computers to your school)."
PSC and Private Donors
The Philippine Sports Commission granted P250,000 each to the families of Baterbonia and Adili. PSC Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio said, "We will give P250,000 for Rene's family and P250,000 for Divine's family. Hindi lang po kami nakikiramay. May gagawin po tayong aksyon (We are not just expressing our condolences. We will take action)." Strong Group Athletics founder Frank Lao donated a motorcycle to Baterbonia's father, Rene Sr., a tricycle driver, to help him earn a living. John Bryan Tadlip, founder of JBTadz NeverFades Picture Frames, partnered with the family to produce jerseys, shirts, and souvenir keychains, transforming a small fundraising effort into a sustainable livelihood. The Talacogon local government committed to helping secure business permits.
Additional Support
The family also received household essentials from anonymous donors, while another benefactor donated five hectares of land in Agusan. A separate private company pledged furniture for the family's new condominium unit. Talacogon Mayor Pauline Marie Masendo was recognized for personally assisting the family during the funeral.
Mother's Gratitude and Promise
Baterbonia's mother, Rovelyn, expressed gratitude: "Hindi lang condolences, pati materyal na bagay. Hindi ko ito inaasahan (People gave us not only condolences but material help as well. I never expected this). Wala gyud ko nag-expect na maabot mig ingani... ang importante lang gyud tana mahuman akong mga anak sa pag-eskwela (I never expected we would receive something like this. All we ever wanted was to earn enough to eat, have a decent home, and see my children finish school)." She recalled her son's promise before he left for Manila: "Sabi niya, 'Ma, pagdating ng June, hindi ka na talaga mahihirapan (He told me, 'Mom, by June, you really won't have to struggle anymore).'" June arrived differently than the family had hoped, but through scholarships, a new home, financial assistance, and livelihood opportunities, many have begun fulfilling the promise Baterbonia dreamed of most — a safer and better future for the family he left behind.
